MS and me : exploring the impact of multiple sclerosis on perceptions of self

Mozo-Dutton, Louise and Simpson, Jane and Boot, Julia (2012) MS and me : exploring the impact of multiple sclerosis on perceptions of self. Disability and Rehabilitation, 34 (14). pp. 1208-1217. ISSN 0963-8288

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Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on perceptions of self as well as the emotional, social and practical implications of any self-reported changes. Method: Twelve participants were interviewed and interpretative phenomenological analysis used to analyse the data. Participants were recruited from a MS hospital clinic in the north-west of England. Results: Four themes were identified although for reasons of space and novelty three were discussed, (i) ‘my body didn’t belong to me’: the changing relationship to body, (ii) ‘I miss the way I feel about myself’: the changing relationship to self and (iii) ‘let’s just try and live with it’: incorporating yet separating MS from self. Conclusions: The onset of MS was seen to impact upon self yet impact did not necessarily equate with a loss of self but rather a changed self. Self-related changes did, however, carry the potential to impact negatively upon a person’s mood and psychological functioning and consequently, clinicians are encouraged to consider issues relating to self as standard. Implications for Rehabilitation The onset of MS does not automatically bring into question a person’s sense of self. Rather, it is the degree to which symptoms impact upon a person’s ability to fulfil roles integral to their pre-MS self, that appear to have the greatest re-defining impact. Symptoms that threaten perceptions of self are more likely to contribute to emotional problems such as depression and anxiety. Clinicians can support people to maintain a positive sense of self by assessing which symptoms affect them most and, where possible, helping them reconnect with valued interests, roles and activities, albeit in an adapted fashion.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Disability and Rehabilitation
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2700/2742
Subjects:
?? adaptation, psychologicaladultagedattitude to healthemotionsenglandfemalehumansinterviews as topicmalemiddle agedmultiple sclerosisqualitative researchquality of lifequestionnairesself conceptseverity of illness indexsickness impact profilesocial supportr ??
ID Code:
56458
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
31 Jul 2012 15:54
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 13:04